The international athletics summer season continues with an array of top British middle-distance runners taking part at the Watford Grand Prix. See below for the latest ticket information.
NEWSFLASH: The 2023 Watford Grand Prix is a wrap!
Check out the 2024 winners below and email tickets@sportonspec.co.uk with ‘Athletics in London’ in the subject box to receive confirmation of the 2024 event once announced, plus breaking news of other great athletics events taking place in the capital.
And in the meantime visit our ATHLETICS section here for events coming up in or around London. Including the London Marathon, Night of the 10k PBs and London Diamond League!
CONGRATULATIONS to Marc Scott (M 3000m), Cristina Ruiz (W 3000m), Ellie Baker (W 800m), Nick Griggs (M 1500m) and Reece Sharman-Newell (M 1500m) who were among the winners on a breezy night of BMC action at the Watford Grand Prix.
2023 PREVIEW
The Watford Grand Prix is set to give fans a close-up view of many of the country’s best 800m, 1500m and 5000m runners in pursuit of qualification times as they vie for selection to the GB team ahead of the World Championships in Budapest later this summer. And with event once again having Challenger status on the World Athletics Continental tour expect an added international flavour to the athletes on show.
Watford is the third leg of the British Milers Club (BMC) Grand Prix season which started in May and continues on to Birmingham University on 29 July ahead of the final at Trafford, Manchester on 12 August.
ONES TO WATCH
The men’s 800m is set to be one of the races of the night with Oliver Dustin, Charlie Da’Vall Grice, Matthew Stonier and Kyle Langford all featuring in a stacked field of GB two-lap talent. Dustin will start as favourite with a PB of 1:43.8. Meanwhile in the women’s 800m Ellie Baker is the one to beat as she targets the World Championships qualification time of 1:59.8. Hannah Seagrave is her main threat.
The 1500m races are equally as competitive. In the men’s race Tonbridge AC’s James West is looking to recapture his 3:34 PB form ahead of the UK trials for the World Championships in Budapest later this summer. 18-year-old Irish sensation Nick Griggs is set to shatter the time of 3:42.72 he ran in Watford last year after clocking 3:36.09 in Nice just a couple of weeks ago.
Australian Maudie Skyring is the one to beat in the women’s race, with fellow Aussie Jaylah Hancock-Cameron her biggest threat along with Scotland’s Jenny Selman.
In the 3000m Olympian Jessica Warner-Judd returns to Watford with her sights set on victory in the women’s race after defending her 10000m British title at the Night of the 10k PBs in May.
In the men’s race Marc Scott – a bronze medalist in the 3000m at the 2022 World Indoor Championships – is the standout performer. Emile Cairess could be the dark horse as he steps down in distance after his memorable London Marathon debut in April.
🎟️ Tickets in advance for the Watford Grand Prix are available via the ‘Get Tickets’ link. £8 adults. Under 16s go free.
🎟️ Tickets on the day are available. £10 adults. Under 16s go free.
🕒 Watford Grand Prix timetable – BMC races start from 5.30pm and will finish around 9.45pm.
🏃♀️🏃 Startlists – Latest entries can be viewed here.
🚊🚗 Travel tips: If using public transport Garston Station is nearest railway station to the stadium. Plan your journey using the Transport for London website. If travelling by car from the west leave the M25 at Junction 19. Head over the roundabout onto the A41 (direction: London and St Albans). Turn left at next junction (about half mile) to follow A405 towards St Albans for 1½ miles. Turn left at traffic lights (Harvester pub on far left corner) into Horseshoe Lane. Woodside Stadium is on the left after less than ½ mile.
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